Parkland, MO February 2026

Love Local EDITION

Hear More.

At Heartland Hearing Care, we believe life is richer when you can hear every moment.

Our owner, Kelli Kernan, has dedicated her career to helping people hear better, earning her Hearing Instrument Specialist license and National Board Certification.

With locations in St. Francois County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County, our clinics are committed to helping you hear your best at any stage of life— delivering personalized care with the latest, most advanced hearing solutions.

Introducing Starkey’s Omega AI – Designed to restore the normal sense of hearing closer than any technology of its kind!

• Waterproof,* sweatproof, and everyday-proof

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• Includes the world’s first Balance Builder and Respiratory Rate monitoring features - all in one device

Doing what the other guys have forgotten,

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Locally Owned & Family Operated

Reliable & Dependable Service

Commercial and residential waste removal at affordable prices.

Follow the

to learn more of his

Jackson’s Journey Foundation started in 2022 when Daniel Wood learned of his son’s Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia diagnosis.

This 100% non-for-profit organization aims to support all children affected by cancer and also provide financial support to our local families fighting this battle. The Woods family donates thousands of toys to St. Louis Children’s hospital to help put a smile on these brave little faces. You can help too, by donating toys to this amazing cause.

YOUR LOCAL ROOFING COMPANY

BASED OUT OF HERCULANEUM,

MISSOURI.

Residential & Commercial Roofing

We also have expertise in managing the totality of insurance claims, which means less of a headache for the homeowners!

Eric has been in the roofing/construction industry his entire life, with both sons (Luke and Jake) following suit. Mandy serves as the main point of contact and with her 20+ years of experience within the industry, is always willing to assist our customers with questions concerning each step of our work.

Greenstreet Roofing & Exteriors takes pride in being a “true” local company. Not just as business owners but also as a family we enjoy supporting our community by sponsoring school activities/sport teams, eating/shopping local and referring local businesses when given the opportunity. We know that the first line of defense between your home and the harsh elements is your roof. We look forward to helping you protect your biggest investment.

Columbia Street Carriage House

Do you have family visiting the Parkland area? Are you looking for something more private and serene than a hotel? Try out Columbia Street Carriage House- your home away from home. Our beautifully curated guest house offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen and ample outdoor space. Our location is central to downtown Farmington, making it ideal for enjoying the best shopping and dining options. Reserve your dates now!

Love Local

There is something quietly powerful about loving where you live. In a culture that constantly urges us to look ahead or elsewhere, choosing to stay present—to notice, appreciate, and invest in our own community—feels both meaningful and necessary. This Love Local edition is our tribute to The Parkland: a place shaped not only by geography, but by people, relationships, and shared history.

The Parkland is more than a collection of towns or familiar streets. It’s the rhythm of everyday life—the shop owners who greet you by name, the generations of stories held within historic buildings, the sense of familiarity that comes from belonging. It’s a reminder that community is built slowly, through consistency, care, and connection.

Loving local is an intentional act. It means recognizing the value of what’s already here and understanding that our choices—where we shop, who we support, how we show up—help shape the future of this place. When we invest locally, we’re investing in neighbors, dreams, and the long-term vitality of our home.

This edition highlights the people and businesses who define The Parkland’s character: the creatives, entrepreneurs, and community builders who continue to honor tradition while also pushing forward. Their stories reflect a region that is deeply rooted yet evolving, grounded in its past while thoughtfully moving toward what’s next.

In a world that often equates growth with leaving, The Parkland offers a different perspective. It shows us that growth can also come from staying—choosing care over convenience, connection over distance, and pride over indifference.

As you turn these pages, we invite you to see The Parkland not just as the place you live, but as the place you help shape. Loving local isn’t a moment or a trend. It’s a commitment. And it’s one we’re proud to share with you.

LENA JOHNSON, PUBLISHER @PARKLANDCITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Lena Johnson | Lena.Johnson@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kayle Nephew | kayle.nephew@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Stephanie Zaricor | stephaniezaricor@gmail.com

STAFF WRITER

Amy Tinnin | amy@acupfullofsass.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Proverbs 3:5-6

Because at Caring Wounds Unlimited, your healing isn’t just our job — it’s our passion.

The right care makes all the difference. When wounds are cared for the right way, your body heals faster, stays protected from infection, and avoids long-term complications. Our team focuses on helping your skin heal beautifully while keeping you comfortable every step of the way.

At Caring Wounds Unlimited, we believe everyone deserves to heal well. Proper wound care isn’t just about treating the injury—it’s about restoring comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

business monthly

The Roost Play Cafe Grand Opening

The Roost Play Café celebrates its grand opening at 939 Valley Creek Drive in Farmington. This 1,000-square-foot space is intentionally designed to provide a safe, welcoming environment for families. The Roost offers age-appropriate play for young children while giving caregivers space to connect and recharge. Focused on intentional play and community, the café supports early childhood development in a fun, family-centered setting. The Roost plans to add additional services in the future.

MAC Breaks Ground on New Athletic Building

Mineral Area College broke ground in December on a new Athletic Complex Building at its Park Hills campus, marking a significant investment in student athletics and the campus experience. Located just north of the soccer pitch, the facility will include locker rooms, training areas, offices for coaching staff, and upgraded restrooms and concessions for fans. The project is currently underway and is expected to be completed later this year.

Parkland Health Center Opens New Heart Health Center

Parkland Health Care continues to expand local healthcare services with the opening of its new Heart Health Center in Farmington. The facility, located at 1151 Hazel Lane, is now home to BJC Medical Group Cardiologists, offering patients a centralized, modern space for heart care. This move reflects Parkland Health Center’s ongoing investment in advanced medical services and accessible, high-quality care for the Parkland community. Scan

How the Farmington Chamber Strengthens Businesses and the Community

FARMINGTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ARTICLE BY KAYLE NEPHEW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE ZARICOR

For more than 80 years, the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce has supported the businesses that shape daily life in the region. Founded in 1941, the organization was created to serve a simple purpose: help local businesses succeed so the community as a whole can grow stronger.

That purpose remains unchanged. Guided by its mission of advancing business and strengthening community, the Chamber works behind the scenes to support economic growth, encourage collaboration, and advocate for the interests of the Farmington area. While its work is not always visible, its influence is felt through the businesses it supports and the connections it helps create.

Today, the Chamber represents nearly 500 members, including businesses of all sizes and more than 35 nonprofit organizations. With a staff of four, the organization operates entirely through member support and does not receive city funding. Its programs, services, and events exist because local businesses continue to invest in the place they serve.

Much of the Chamber’s impact begins with relationships. Networking and ribbon cuttings may be the most recognizable aspects of chamber work, but they serve a larger purpose. In 2025, the Farmington Regional Chamber hosted nearly 30 ribbon cuttings, a record year that reflected steady business growth across the region. Each one marked more than an opening; it represented a business choosing to build, expand, and remain rooted in Farmington. Beyond business milestones, the Chamber plays an important role in community life. It organizes long-standing traditions such as the Christmas Parade and Country Days—events that bring residents together and reinforce a shared sense of place. These gatherings highlight the local businesses and organizations that support them, strengthening the connection between economic vitality and hometown pride.

The Chamber also hosts several major annual events designed to support both businesses and the broader community. The Community Awards Banquet recognizes leadership and service, while the Annual Business Conference provides education and insight for professionals at every stage. The Annual Golf Tournament offers another opportunity for connection, bringing members together in a setting that encourages conversation and collaboration.

Supporting small businesses remains central to the Chamber’s work. Farmington is one of only two chambers in Missouri that hosts both a Small Business Chamber and a Small Business Development Center, offering access to resources in business planning, marketing, research, and market analysis. These services help entrepreneurs make informed decisions and strengthen their operations. CONTINUED >

“Strong communities are built where business and community intersect, creating shared purpose, mutual support, and opportunity through collaboration rather than competition.”

“The strength of the Chamber comes from members who stay engaged, involved, and invested in the community they serve.”

Educational efforts extend beyond business owners to future leaders as well. Through partnerships with Mineral Area College and local high schools, the Chamber connects students to real-world business experiences. The Community Champion Incubator EDU program guides students through developing business plans, creating prototypes, and pitching their ideas to a panel of community business leaders who serve as mentors. The program’s final pitch event will take place May 7th at the Farmington High School Field House.

In August, the Chamber launched Lead Local, a leadership development program focused on preparing the next generation of community leaders. Participants move through an application and interview process before being selected for a yearlong cohort. Each month, the group explores a different aspect of the community, gaining insight into local government, health and human services, advocacy, and regional planning. Funded entirely by sponsors, the program removes financial barriers for participants. Applications for the next cohort will open in June 2026.

Advocacy remains an essential part of the Chamber’s role. The organization regularly hosts the State of the City address and helps coordinate the State of the County event at Mineral Area College, offering transparency and communication

between leaders and residents. At the state level, the Chamber works alongside regional partners to ensure local concerns are represented. Members will travel to Jefferson City in February for Southeast Missouri Day at the Capitol to advocate on current issues impacting the region, like the proposed expansion of the State Hospital in Farmington.

As the Chamber continues to evolve, it remains focused on what lies ahead. Workforce shortages are expected to impact businesses nationwide as the baby boomer generation retires. Through strategic planning, partnerships with staffing agencies, and expanded business support, the Chamber is working to help members prepare for these changes and adapt with confidence.

At its heart, the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce is a reminder that communities thrive when people choose to show up for one another. For business owners, it offers connection, advocacy, and support. For members, it provides opportunities to stay engaged and invested. And for the community, it reinforces the importance of shopping local, supporting neighbors, and building relationships that last. In Farmington, loving local is not just a slogan—it is a shared commitment, strengthened every day through the businesses, people, and partnerships that move the region forward together.

Dr. Anton Beffa

Dr. Fitz and staff- Thank you for the great care and compassion you gave. Dr. Fitz and everyone made me feel comfortable, with the certain knowledge that I was in excellent hands.” - Medford

Dr. John Fitz

Dr. Logan England

Precision Eye Care has been serving the Parkland area with quality eye care and cataract surgery for over 30 years.

We also provide glaucoma treatment, diabetic eye exams, macular degeneration and dry eye treatment. Drs. Anton Beffa and John Fitz are certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and are fellows of The American College of Surgeons. Our physicians strive to listen to you, carefully.

We provide a thorough, personalized examination with kindness and respect. Doctors Beffa, Fitz, England and their staff are committed to this mission, and we continually strive to improve all facets of our patient’s experience. We hope to provide compassion with a small town feel, maintaining our patient’s dignity, during every visit. We can address all of your optic needs, right here in Farmington.

THE HEART OF THE PARKLAND

HOW BO HUHMAN’S JOURNEY SPARKED A MISSION AND INSPIRED A COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY KAYLE NEPHEW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE ZARICOR

When we think of love, we think of hearts. And when we think of hearts in the Parkland, we think of Bo.

Bo Huhman is the kind of child who fills a room with light. He loves superheroes and spends his days running, wrestling, and keeping up with his siblings. He plays hard, laughs easily, and carries a confidence that feels hard-earned for someone so young. Today Bo is a thriving 4 year old, but his journey to get here began long before his first breath.

Before Bo ever received a diagnosis, his parents, Megan and Andrew Huhman, had already walked through seasons of life that tested their faith and resilience. After Andrew was diagnosed with testicular

“I once prayed just to leave the hospital with my baby—now I watch him run, play, and live fully.”

cancer, the couple underwent two rounds of IVF in hopes of growing their family. When Megan became pregnant with Bo, it felt like a prayer answered—a miracle layered on top of survival.

That sense of relief shifted dramatically at Megan’s 20-week anatomy scan, when the sonographer struggled to visualize one of Bo’s heart ventricles. The following day, an echocardiogram confirmed what Megan had been praying against: hypoplastic left heart syndrome, one of the most severe congenital heart defects. Congenital heart defects affect approximately 1 in every 100 babies born, making them the most common birth defect in the United States—but

statistics offer little comfort when your child becomes one of them.

The family traveled to Cleveland Clinic to explore the possibility of an in-utero procedure, however Bo’s condition was too severe. Soon after, a specialist in Boston asked to see him. Megan and Andrew left their daughter Paisley at home with family and relocated east, relying heavily on a support system that rose up without hesitation. Her sister even took Paisley to Disney World during that time— an act of love that Megan still holds close to her heart.

Bo was born in Boston and underwent his first open-heart surgery at just three

days old. He remained hospitalized for four months while Megan and Andrew lived in survival mode—emotionally, physically, and financially. Being away from home, unable to work, and facing mounting medical costs is a reality many congenital heart families face. Megan found strength through connecting with other heart parents, especially those closer to home in St. Louis who understood the road she was walking.

At six months old, Bo underwent his second open-heart surgery at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, followed by another two-month inpatient stay. During this season, Megan often wondered if she would ever know life outside hospital walls.

“Because love looks like a little boy becoming exactly who he was meant to be. Love looks like a community that shows up when it matters most. And love, in the Parkland, will always look a lot like Bo.”

Simply bringing her baby home felt like the greatest victory imaginable.

Bo’s third surgery came in September 2024—and it changed everything. Surgeons rerouted veins from his legs to his heart, dramatically improving his quality of life. Today, there are no planned surgeries, a milestone Megan once never dared to hope for. Bo has also undergone surgery for feeding-tube placement, a tube that was removed just two months ago—another quiet victory in a journey defined by them.

When the family returned home after Bo’s second surgery, Megan remembers sitting at her parents’ dining room table, overwhelmed by gratitude for the community that had carried them. Support poured in—meals, prayers, financial help, encouragement. And one question lingered: how do you ever repay something like this?

The answer became the Bo Huhman Heart Foundation.

Each May, the Huhman family hosts an annual golf tournament to raise awareness and funds for families navigating congenital heart disease. What began as a way to say thank you has grown into a mission. The tournament raises approximately $40,000 annually, helping families locally whenever possible while also supporting those connected through St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The foundation works alongside

organizations such as the Ali Hinkle Heart Foundation, Connor’s Cause, and Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation—proof of what’s possible when heart families lift one another up.

Congenital heart disease is not preventable, and the financial burden can be overwhelming. Many parents are forced to quit their jobs or take extended leaves to care for their children, and not every family has the support system Megan and Andrew were blessed with. That reality drives the foundation’s mission— from CPR at the Bar awareness events to themed coffee sleeves throughout the Parkland during February’s Heart Month. Last year, Bo proudly served as Heart Ambassador for Farmington and North County basketball games.

This February, as Parkland City Lifestyle celebrates loving local, we invite you to love with your whole heart. The Bo Huhman Heart Foundation’s annual golf tournament will take place May 8 at St. Francois County Country Club, with opportunities to register, volunteer, or donate silent auction items. Donations can also be made directly through the foundation’s website.

Because love looks like a little boy becoming exactly who he was meant to be. Love looks like a community that shows up when it matters most. And love, in the Parkland, will always look a lot like Bo.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

In the new year, I like to keep weeknight meals simple, light, and a little healthier. This quick Egg Roll in a Bowl has all the flavor of a traditional egg roll but made with wholesome ingredients you can toss together in minutes. Perfect for busy winter evenings. It is also great for meal prepping for the week.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb. Ground Chicken. You could also use Ground Turkey

• 14 oz. Coleslaw Mix

• 1 small Onion, diced

• 2 Tbsp. Minced Garlic

• 1 bunch Green onions, diced

• 1 Tbsp. Fresh Ginger, grated

• 2 Tbsp. Coconut Amino

• 2 Tbsp. Sesame Seeds, optional

• Sriracha Mayo, opitional

• Water Chestnuts, drained, optional

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the ground chicken and brown for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is almost done—season with sea salt and pepper.

3. Next, add white onion, garlic, and ginger, and saute until fragrant.

4. Lastly, add coleslaw mix and green onions (water chestnuts if desired) once the chicken is browned. Cook for 5 minutes or until the coleslaw is finished.

Divide into bowls, then add sesame seeds and/or Sriracha Mayo, if desired.

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Feeding Families with Purpose, Integrity, and Pride

In today’s food industry, convenience often outweighs connection. Beef moves through massive systems designed for scale, efficiency, and profit, leaving little room for consumers to understand where their food comes from or who stands behind it. For local ranchers like Cody Wiseman of Bar W Ranch Meat Co. in Bonne Terre, that disconnect is exactly what he set out to change.

Cody comes from generations of farmers who worked the land, sold cattle through the sale barn, and understood early on that agriculture isn’t just an industry—it’s a responsibility. In 2008, long before “farm-to-fork” became a marketing phrase, Cody began selling whole and half beef directly from his farm to local families. His goal was simple: provide honest, farm-fresh beef at a price working families could afford, while keeping the process transparent from pasture to plate.

That mission was put into sharp focus during the COVID-19 pandemic, when grocery shelves emptied and supply chains failed. One day, a woman walked into Cody’s shop in tears, explaining she didn’t know how she was going to feed her family. Without hesitation, Cody loaded her vehicle with beef and sent her home. The moment wasn’t about recognition—it was confirmation that direct-to-consumer agriculture still mattered. It also reinforced his belief that cutting out excess middlemen was the most cost-effective and sustainable way to feed people.

Today, Bar W Ranch specializes in USDA-inspected beef sold directly to consumers, offering whole and half beef orders alongside individual cuts. A half beef typically lasts a family of four 12 to 14 months, making it one of the most economical ways to reduce grocery costs while maintaining quality. Cody works hard to maintain competitive rates, despite the continuing rise of cost for cattle nation-wide.

Bar W Ranch operates across multiple farms and feed lots, with a cow-calf operation averaging 60 to 75 head and 40 to 80 cattle in the feed yard at any given time. The cattle are raised without growth hormones and under a clean, natural program. If an animal requires antibiotics, it is immediately removed from the feed program and sold through the sale barn instead—never entering the beef supply destined for families’ freezers.

Animal welfare and performance go hand in hand, Cody explains. Cattle thrive under low-stress conditions and structured routines, including consistent daily feeding schedules. Automatic water systems ensure constant access to clean, fresh water, while feed is sourced locally whenever possible. Corn comes from a neighboring farmer, hay is baled through partnerships with area producers, and nearly every step of the process supports the surrounding agricultural community.

Despite operating on approximately 385 acres, Cody leases the majority of his land—an increasingly common reality in modern agriculture. With land prices soaring and cow-calf margins averaging roughly $100 per head, owning land outright is often

not financially feasible. Instead, Cody relies on partnerships and long-term leases, a model he believes could strengthen both local economies and food security if more producers worked collaboratively rather than competitively.

Ranching, however, is not without sacrifice. Machinery costs, land taxes, unpredictable weather, and long hours mean Cody is often at the mercy of the seasons.

He’s missed practices, games, and family events because cattle don’t wait and farming doesn’t pause. “They depend on you,” he says. “There’s no one else coming.”

Yet the reward outweighs the cost. When families understand what they’re eating and where it comes from, it changes the way they approach meals. Having high-quality beef on hand makes dinners easier, grocery budgets more manageable, and time around the table more meaningful. For Cody, there’s pride in knowing he’s helping families enjoy steakhouse-quality meals at home—without sacrificing integrity or affordability.

“Learn to take a piece of the pie instead of the whole pie,” Cody says. “If we all did that, we’d be better neighbors.”

As large corporations and foreign entities continue buying American farmland, Cody believes supporting local producers has never been more important. A member of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, he hopes to expand educational efforts, feeding programs, and partnerships with food pantries, shelters, and local restaurants in the future.

“Learn to take a piece of the pie instead of the whole pie,” Cody says. “If we all did that, we’d be better neighbors.”

At Bar W Ranch Meat Co., that philosophy isn’t a slogan—it’s a way of life, rooted in the land, shaped by community, and sustained by the belief that feeding people well still matters.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JANUARY 31ST

Jase Outdoors Annual Fishing Show

Fort Davidson Event Center - Pilot Knob | 9:00 AM

Cast a line into a great day at the Jase Outdoors Bait & Tackle Annual Fishing Show in Pilot Knob. Enjoy free admission, top lure vendors, pro tips, live bait showcases, giveaways, raffles, food, and more—Saturday, January 31st from 9 am to 3 pm. Open to the public and fun for all anglers.

FEBRUARY 7TH

Gals on Main: A Galentine’s Day Out

Main Street - Festus, MO | 10:00 AM

Grab your girls and enjoy a day out in Festus! Sponsored by the Main Street Association, Gals on Main invites women to shop local, dine out on Main Street, and enjoy festive Galentine’s Day fun. This event will run from 10am - 3 pm on Saturday February 7th.

FEBRUARY 14TH

Chocolate Walk 2026

Downtown Sainte Genevieve | 10:00 AM

Sweeten your Valentine’s Day at the 2026 Chocolate Walk in Ste. Genevieve, MO! On Saturday, February 14th from 10 am to 4 pm, stroll historic downtown while sampling decadent chocolate treats at participating businesses. Enjoy shopping, charm, and sweets at every stop. Tickets sell out fast, so grab yours early.

FEBRUARY 27TH

Rock-N-Roll Bingo Night

Crystal City Elks Lodge | 6:00 PM

Turn up the volume for Rock-N-Roll Bingo Night at Crystal City Elks Lodge! Doors open at 6 pm with BINGO starting at 7. Swap numbers for iconic songs, dress as Rock-N-Roll Hall of Famers, and compete for prizes. Drinks included, snacks welcome—join the fun and support a great night of fundraising.

FEBRUARY 28TH

Tyrus Comedy Tour

Civic Center - Farmington | 7:30 PM

Big laughs are coming to Farmington! On Saturday, February 28th Tyrus will bring his fearless comedy and larger-than-life personality to the Farmington Civic Center for one unforgettable night. This is the final stop on this tour leg—don’t miss your chance to see him live. Get tickets today!

MARCH 7TH

Arcadia Academy Wedding Venue Showcase

211 South College Street - Arcadia, MO | 12:00 PM

Come get your wedding-day inspiration at the Arcadia Academy Wedding Venue Showcase on March 7th from 12 pm – 2 pm at the Arcadia Academy Wedding Venue. Enjoy food samples, complimentary champagne, local vendors, giveaways, and time to explore the romantic 20-acre property—bring your fiancé, your questions, and start envisioning your perfect day.

Want to be featured?

$3,600,000

Brand-new modern farmhouse with vaulted ceilings, sweeping views, and outstanding amenities, including an oversized heated garage, concrete vault, in-ground pool, and custom covered patio The property offers year-round creeks, open livestock pastures, wooded hillsides, trails, springs, and historic barns - perfect for farming, recreation, or a private retreat Privately gated and minutes from town, truly an exquisite estate!